Where I am & what I do

I'm based in Dalgety Bay, Fife, Scotland.

tel: 07525 259342 // email: karolina@hourglassphotography.co.uk

I am Karolina and I specialise in photographing families who don't like being photographed, feel awkward in front of the camera but really want beautiful photos with their loved ones. Sounds familiar? I also know that you want photographs of your family together playing, laughing and having a great time, but there is never a good time to organise this, right? Life is so busy! But here is the thing: babies go from being tiny newborn to asking you for car keys within a blink of an eye. Photographs from different stages of your family's life are priceless, so book it before life changes too much (plus it's more affordable than you may think and it's more fun and less stress than you think. It's my job to help you relax and make you look your best so you love your photographs).

Pricing info

Family walk in the forest, where we look for fairies, find perfect sticks and climb big tree stomps is just one of many ideas for a family photo shoot. It's time for getting close with those you love most and as a result receive photographs that will make your heart smile for long years to come. Tickles, giggles and piggy back rides all photograph very well!

"Thank you so much Karolina for the beautiful photographs captured in our most recent photoshoot (our 4th shoot with you!!) They really showcase our crazy yet happy family life at the moment and we'll treasure them forever. As always you ensured the shoot was fun and relaxed! Our new beautiful frame is pride of place in our living room and we receive lots of compliments from visitors. You really are great at what you do. Xxx”

Recent blog articles

"If we had to use one word to describe Karolina it would be WOW! She took pictures of our baby girl Erin when she was just 3 months old and we were absolutely blown away by the end result. Her patience, personal touch and attention to detail are second to none. We ordered a storybook with all the pictures from our shoot, a stunning, unique keepsake for our little girl which included lovely rhymes and phrases, it certainly is very special. Thanks so much Karolina, we will certainly be back for more photos when baby number 2 arrives! ;)" Gillian & Ross

About me

I was born on Wednesday in 1979 in a small town in Poland. I live with my husband and two small children in a small house in a small town (Dalgety Bay, Fife, Scotland to be specific). After 10 years of marriage and two kids I still like him most of the time.

Unprocessed organic food is my huge passion. I turn it into nutritious meals for my children who then refuse to eat it (“it’s too vegetably", “it’s too many things mixed up”, “it looks weird”, “ I will eat it when I’m grown up and live on my own farm”)

I’m coffee mad! but not any coffee…The second best one is served in my house (lucky me) with Artisan cafe in Edinburgh serving just the best one ever.

I love simple things which you can see in the products I offer. I am a minimalist in heart and decluttering is my idea of fun afternoon. Moving furniture is another one.

I wasn’t born with a camera in hand like most photographers declare. My Grandfather isn’t a photographer either, he is an awesome beekeeper. I didn’t study photography, I did biology instead. My decision to become a photographer came from craving creativity, working with people (and not test tubes) and having huge love and respect for the family as a unit. I jumped into learning a lot about creating images, as well as about the business side of business. I still do it everyday.

I speak with funny accent and make a lot of mistakes, which my daughter likes to correct with great satisfaction.

My family photography business is called Hourglass Photography because no one was able to pronounce my name when it was named after me. There is no incredible story behind this name unfortunately. My other business is called The Brand Photographer, because this is pretty much what I do; create photographs for brands ( mainly small and creative ones).

“A Good Year”, “Chef” and “Stealing Beauty” are my most favourite films. They make me want to reach for a glass of wine, which I never resist for too long.

Clients I work with, are families who freely give hugs to each other, giggle and tickle, do piggyback and shoulder rides, don’t mind crazy hair and mismatched socks. They rock bare feet on the beach, muddy trousers in the forest and usually don’t like being photographed, but do it anyway for their kids.

Galleries

Sometimes I photograph families in their homes or gardens and sometimes I drive 100 miles to their favourite spot. 95% of my clients love outdoors and natural, lifestyle photography, but some prefer SIMPLE look of a studio portrait.

What is your style?

home & garden

Your home and garden make for the most personal backdrops. When you have a small baby or elderly family member join for the shoot it makes so much sense to stay at home, where you are comfortable and have everything at hand.

on location

Scotland has the most amazing locations, some on our doorstep. Woodlands, beaches, fields and hills. Choose your favourite or discover new places! (we are full of suggestions should you need them)

studio look

Don't get tricked, all this is achieved in the comfort of your home! We bring everything required to create this classic and clean look. White, grey or black backgrounds are available.